DIY Peacock feather shoe clips

Monday, September 12, 2011

Bird feathers are beautiful, and peacock feathers are no exception. Ironic that it is the male of the species which display such flamboyancy and colour in their mating display, yet we find peacock feathers used in female fashion, more commonly in the form of accessories.

I collected two peacock feathers from a children's farm where a handful of resident peacocks reside, the idea to make my own DIY peacock feather shoes.

Using a pair of clip-on earrings, a $6 thrift purchase from Vinnie's, I cut the tips from each peacock feather, and earring-clipped one feather to each shoe, and there you have it. A quick, recycled, eco-friendly, DIY fashion project for less than $10. A nice accessory for a spring racing event, no?

Incidentally, I asked one of Vinnie's volunteers if clip on earrings are often sold in store, to which he replies yes, as soon as a set of clip-on earrings are donated, they are re-sold within days, so, he said, I was lucky to find a pair. (Leeyong, if you are reading this, I thought of you!)

@Frugal Down Under - I am so glad you addressed the issue of cruelty free bird feathers, I kick myself for not discussing this myself.

I notice quite a few etsy sellers, selling bird feathers 'cruelty free', so one can only hope this is so. Should the need be to buy bird feathers, one would need to ensure the source really is ethical, and cruelty-free. Although how to gain proof of this is somewhat tricky?

These are lovely! I am a big fan of peacock feathers - their coloring is so magnificent. I have been able to purchase peacock feathers at my local farmer's market, where I was assured that they had been shed naturally. I may have to give this a try! :)